Joseph, the envoy of the Bolshevik Russian delegation, returned home with a heart full of joy. His mission to Germany had been a resounding success. Not only had he found a solution to the plight of his comrades in the German-occupied regions of Eastern Europe, but he had also secured immense support from Germany. More importantly, Germany was willing to help Bolshevik Russia construct a fleet of battleships at favorable prices, granting Joseph an opportunity to extend his influence within the military.
It could be said that Joseph considered his mission a triumph. He believed that upon his return to Bolshevik Russia, he would be duly rewarded by Ulyanov. Such an accolade would grant him an advantageous position in the competition with Trotsky, and perhaps even lead Ulyanov to designate him as his successor.
Leaving aside Joseph's hopes and aspirations, the German Empire convened a court meeting after the Bolshevik Russian delegation's departure. The central issue discussed was the series of measures regarding Bolshevik Russia.
"Your Majesty, the Bolshevik envoy left with a smile on his face. They must have obtained exactly what they sought from the Empire and are thoroughly satisfied!" said Chancellor Büllow with a smile.
Although the series of agreements between the Empire and the Bolshevik Russian envoy saw Germany going to great lengths to assist them, the Empire's senior officials were no fools. They were astute enough to discern Qin Tian's strategic designs.
Qin Tian nodded with a smile. "In order for the Empire to maintain its hegemonic status, it must first dominate Europe. No other great power should arise on the continent. Otherwise, it would severely jeopardize the Empire's security. Therefore, both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Bolshevik Russia are enemies we must annihilate."
He paused before continuing, "The Austro-Hungarian Empire is a different case; we are already formulating a plan to deal with them. They are located on our doorstep, and eliminating them will be relatively easy. However, Bolshevik Russia is another matter. Even though we have already taken a sizable portion from them in the last war, their strength remains formidable. Moreover, the Empire now faces too many enemies. If we are not cautious, the failure of Napoleon's invasion of Russia may well serve as a cautionary tale for us."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the military and political ministers of the Empire replied gravely.
Germany's position was indeed strikingly similar to that of the First French Empire, except that France had to contend with opposition from numerous European powers, whereas Germany now faced the encirclement of the world's great nations.
"I proposed helping Bolshevik Russia establish an industrial system, not only because, even if they do not receive our help, they would surely obtain support from elsewhere—such as from the Americans, who would welcome a stronger Bolshevik Russia to threaten the Empire. But also, by aiding Bolshevik Russia's industrial reconstruction, with key factories built there, we would undoubtedly gain a measure of influence. At the same time, this provides us with an opportunity to probe Bolshevik Russia's strengths and weaknesses, and gather the intelligence we need in preparation for future hostilities," Qin Tian explained.
"Your Majesty truly has far-reaching plans," remarked Marshal von Falkenhayn.
"However, if we propose helping Bolshevik Russia build a transportation network, they are unlikely to agree," Marshal von Falkenhayn continued. "Certainly, building a robust network would greatly benefit Bolshevik Russia's industrial and economic development, but the associated threats would not go unnoticed."
"I do not expect Bolshevik Russia to fully accept this proposal. Even if they only build some semblance of railways and roads, it will still aid our future efforts to conquer them," Qin Tian responded.
The ministers nodded in agreement. Any invasion of Bolshevik Russia would need to consider the vastness of its territory, which offered significant strategic depth. Additionally, the dire state of Russia's transportation system made logistics exceedingly difficult for any invading force. Coupled with Russia's harsh winters, which foreign armies would struggle to endure, these factors made conquering Russia an immense challenge.
Germany's path to defeating Bolshevik Russia required careful consideration of these factors. Only by overcoming these obstacles could Germany secure victory in the eventual conflict.
"Your Majesty, we might be able to bribe certain individuals within the Bolshevik Party. This could help us achieve our goal," suggested Foreign Minister Vashit.
Though the Bolshevik Party had only recently taken control of Russia, internal corruption had already begun to set in. Many were indulging in decadence. Germany's intelligence services had already begun taking action on this front.
"This is one approach, but whether it will succeed remains uncertain," Qin Tian remarked.
"Your Majesty, all we can do is to do our best to outwit Bolshevik Russia. Whether we succeed depends on divine will," Chancellor Büllow said.
Qin Tian nodded. Indeed, as the saying goes: "Man proposes, but God disposes." They could only do what was within their power, and the outcome was in the hands of fate.
"Your Majesty, if we assist Bolshevik Russia in building battleships, could this pose a threat to us? The navy lacks a fleet in the Baltic Sea, and many of our critical shipyards are along its shores!" voiced concerns from Admiral Reinhard Scheer, the naval minister.
"Do not worry. If Bolshevik Russia truly intends to station their fleet in the Baltic, they will be walking into a death trap. We can use aircraft and submarines to eliminate them. By the time war breaks out, our aircraft should be able to deploy heavy air bombs and torpedoes. Dealing with their battleships will be a matter of course. Moreover, their shipyards are not equipped with anti-aircraft defenses for these capital ships!" Qin Tian said with a smile.
Admiral Scheer chuckled upon hearing this. He realized that Qin Tian had set a trap for Bolshevik Russia, and they were foolishly walking right into it.
"Bolshevik Russia's strength is inherently inferior to ours. If they focus entirely on developing their army, defeating them may prove challenging. However, if they divert some of their resources to develop their navy, they will be sealing their own doom. When the time comes, it will be far easier for us to defeat them. Gentlemen, to defeat Bolshevik Russia, we must spare no effort and employ every possible strategy!" Qin Tian declared solemnly.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the ministers replied, their faces stern and resolute.